1 00:00:04,840 --> 00:00:07,120 Speaker 1: All right, guys. Before we get started today, a big 2 00:00:07,160 --> 00:00:10,880 Speaker 1: thank you to our partner, Microsoft Surface celebrating ten years 3 00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:14,400 Speaker 1: of partnership with the NFL as the official laptop, tablet, 4 00:00:14,440 --> 00:00:18,599 Speaker 1: and sideline technology provider for the LA Chargers. Microsoft Surface 5 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:21,520 Speaker 1: provides players and coaches with the tools to succeed both 6 00:00:21,560 --> 00:00:24,600 Speaker 1: on or off the field every day. Learn more about 7 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:29,680 Speaker 1: Surface at surface dot com and welcome into the Final Drive. 8 00:00:30,040 --> 00:00:34,280 Speaker 1: As the Chargers lose a heartbreaker to the Chiefs thirty 9 00:00:34,440 --> 00:00:39,000 Speaker 1: twenty seven on Sunday Night Football as always, joined by 10 00:00:39,120 --> 00:00:44,440 Speaker 1: Haley Elwood and Eric Smith and guys. The script was 11 00:00:44,520 --> 00:00:48,319 Speaker 1: very similar to last week and that the Chargers they 12 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:52,080 Speaker 1: had a lead in the fourth quarter, but the ending 13 00:00:52,800 --> 00:00:55,400 Speaker 1: much more heartbreak when you lose to the Chiefs, and 14 00:00:55,520 --> 00:00:58,880 Speaker 1: you lose to the Chiefs in that fashion. Travis Kelsey 15 00:00:58,920 --> 00:01:03,440 Speaker 1: three touchdowns, including the game winner. Let's just go around 16 00:01:03,440 --> 00:01:07,920 Speaker 1: the whore to start. Get your overall thoughts, Hailey. I'm 17 00:01:07,959 --> 00:01:10,600 Speaker 1: gonna quote Drwin James in the locker room after the 18 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:14,520 Speaker 1: game where he said close isn't good enough in this league. 19 00:01:15,160 --> 00:01:18,360 Speaker 1: And that's what we saw last night. You know, Unfortunately 20 00:01:19,880 --> 00:01:23,200 Speaker 1: these teams play each other super tight. It always comes down, 21 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:26,240 Speaker 1: it got weird. As we always say, there were traded 22 00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:33,200 Speaker 1: fumbles that they just got very strange. But as per usual, 23 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:36,360 Speaker 1: the Chiefs get the ball back with one forty six 24 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:38,679 Speaker 1: left in the game, score a touchdown, take the lead, 25 00:01:38,760 --> 00:01:41,760 Speaker 1: and that's essentially it. And how many times have we 26 00:01:41,840 --> 00:01:44,760 Speaker 1: seen this story before, not just with the Charters but 27 00:01:44,800 --> 00:01:48,280 Speaker 1: around the league that you give you know, how many 28 00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:51,160 Speaker 1: jokes can you make about Mahomes, you know, having enough time, 29 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:53,280 Speaker 1: too much time on the clock for Patrick Mahomes. It's 30 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,920 Speaker 1: just what it is. And so you know, Brandon Staley, 31 00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:57,960 Speaker 1: it said you should be frustrated we lost to a 32 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:00,480 Speaker 1: good team and had the lead, and that's true. And 33 00:02:00,720 --> 00:02:02,960 Speaker 1: you have these again. It's sort of a tale of 34 00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:06,000 Speaker 1: two halves to me and sort of when we can 35 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:07,640 Speaker 1: talk about this in a bit, But I think some 36 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:09,960 Speaker 1: of the tenor kind of changed almost at the end 37 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:12,760 Speaker 1: of that first half too, when they were at what 38 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:15,200 Speaker 1: the two I want to say they were. They were 39 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:18,160 Speaker 1: very very close to the end zone, but opted to 40 00:02:18,240 --> 00:02:20,760 Speaker 1: kick the field goal there, which I get it. You know, 41 00:02:20,800 --> 00:02:23,320 Speaker 1: there's seventeen seconds and a half at that point, but 42 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:25,240 Speaker 1: you know, do you attempt to go for it? We 43 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:28,799 Speaker 1: actually saw that not work out Thursday Night game of 44 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:32,320 Speaker 1: last year when these two teams played. But I don't know, man, 45 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:35,120 Speaker 1: it's it's frustrating. It's tough. These this is the team 46 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:37,040 Speaker 1: you have to beat. You know. This is why you 47 00:02:37,160 --> 00:02:39,960 Speaker 1: invested all that money in your defense. This is why 48 00:02:40,040 --> 00:02:43,480 Speaker 1: every AFC West team loaded up this year besides the 49 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:49,040 Speaker 1: Chiefs to contend with this team. And it's tough because 50 00:02:49,040 --> 00:02:51,040 Speaker 1: they have a three game lead in division now and 51 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:53,240 Speaker 1: I would say essentially a four game lead because they 52 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:56,760 Speaker 1: owe the type breaker over the Chargers. So it's hard 53 00:02:57,000 --> 00:03:00,880 Speaker 1: and there are no moral victories in this league. And um, 54 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 1: they played well for a lot of this game, but 55 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:07,400 Speaker 1: when it came down to the very end again, as 56 00:03:07,480 --> 00:03:10,600 Speaker 1: Derwin said, close just isn't good enough and you've got 57 00:03:10,600 --> 00:03:12,839 Speaker 1: to rerack and and sort of maybe right the ship. 58 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:15,600 Speaker 1: But you're back at five hundred after two tough losses. 59 00:03:15,639 --> 00:03:19,519 Speaker 1: And uh, I don't know, that's all I got right now? Eric, 60 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:24,080 Speaker 1: take it away? Yeah, go for it, Eric, Yeah, frustrated. Um, 61 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:28,079 Speaker 1: you know, so I'm I'm new here. I'm still a 62 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:30,160 Speaker 1: little bit new here, right, So like for you guys, 63 00:03:30,600 --> 00:03:34,359 Speaker 1: you guys know that the Chief Chargers rivalry really well, 64 00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:36,520 Speaker 1: and so this is my first year and I've seen 65 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:41,640 Speaker 1: it from afar, but man, I was frustrated after the 66 00:03:41,640 --> 00:03:43,720 Speaker 1: game last night, and we are kind of talking a 67 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:45,840 Speaker 1: little bit. Um, you guys were kind of saying, like 68 00:03:45,920 --> 00:03:48,360 Speaker 1: Hayley just put it like, that's just sort of how 69 00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:51,720 Speaker 1: it's gone again, not even for the Chargers against most 70 00:03:52,040 --> 00:03:56,920 Speaker 1: most teams, against the Chiefs. Um, you almost got to 71 00:03:56,920 --> 00:04:00,320 Speaker 1: play a perfect game to beat the Chiefs. The Charger 72 00:04:00,400 --> 00:04:04,600 Speaker 1: did not do that. Um. There were there were bright 73 00:04:04,640 --> 00:04:07,200 Speaker 1: spots for sure, you know, for most of the game, 74 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:11,480 Speaker 1: but in the end, you lost. And I think that's 75 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:15,600 Speaker 1: what stings the most because you know, after the game, 76 00:04:15,840 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 1: you know, Brandon Daily said, you know, he's like, once again, 77 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:21,560 Speaker 1: it was similar to what he said against San Francisco, right. 78 00:04:21,960 --> 00:04:24,880 Speaker 1: He likes the fight and the effort, you know, and 79 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:27,400 Speaker 1: and the grid of this team, and they they find 80 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:29,039 Speaker 1: a way to hang in there. You know, they're in 81 00:04:29,080 --> 00:04:31,839 Speaker 1: it late. But we're getting into the part of see 82 00:04:31,839 --> 00:04:35,360 Speaker 1: them where those efforts need to kind of turn into 83 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:37,880 Speaker 1: wins because now you're five and five and you got 84 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:42,120 Speaker 1: seven games left, and you are not only out of 85 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:45,680 Speaker 1: the playoff picture, you are behind in the playoff picture. 86 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:50,400 Speaker 1: Based on what happened yesterday. Um yeah, I was just frustrated. 87 00:04:50,640 --> 00:04:54,560 Speaker 1: Um mostly because like it's like the Chiefs of that 88 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:57,600 Speaker 1: like team. I think we can agree that, like the 89 00:04:57,680 --> 00:05:00,800 Speaker 1: Chargers are trying to to beat and try to attain 90 00:05:01,279 --> 00:05:03,600 Speaker 1: like their status in the league and in the in 91 00:05:03,680 --> 00:05:06,400 Speaker 1: the certainly the in the AFT West. I mean, the 92 00:05:06,480 --> 00:05:10,640 Speaker 1: Chiefs are gonna win a seventh straight division title again. 93 00:05:12,200 --> 00:05:15,840 Speaker 1: And it's just frustrating because two games now again the 94 00:05:15,920 --> 00:05:19,279 Speaker 1: chief lossed by three points. The Chargers are right there. Now. 95 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:21,479 Speaker 1: It's not like I wrote it last night, Like it's 96 00:05:21,480 --> 00:05:24,080 Speaker 1: not like the Chargers can't hang with them, they just 97 00:05:24,120 --> 00:05:25,840 Speaker 1: can't beat them. And I think that is just the 98 00:05:26,279 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: most frustrating part. Yeah, you know, a rivalry, you know, 99 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:33,640 Speaker 1: both teams have to win, and right now it's been 100 00:05:33,680 --> 00:05:37,520 Speaker 1: so one sided since Patrick Mahomes has come to town. Guys, 101 00:05:37,600 --> 00:05:40,680 Speaker 1: it takes like a herculean effort for the Chargers to 102 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:43,480 Speaker 1: win a game. I go back to twenty eighteen Thursday 103 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:46,720 Speaker 1: Night Football with really I called the Mike Williams game 104 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:50,000 Speaker 1: right with the two point conversion, and then last year, 105 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:53,200 Speaker 1: I mean they barely got ad Arrow ahead with a 106 00:05:53,279 --> 00:05:56,760 Speaker 1: win and they had the turnover battle sewed up, and 107 00:05:57,040 --> 00:05:58,640 Speaker 1: it really was. It was four nothing. I think they 108 00:05:58,680 --> 00:06:01,440 Speaker 1: had four takeaways in that game, didn't turn the ball over, 109 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:04,800 Speaker 1: and it still took every single second to beat this team. 110 00:06:05,200 --> 00:06:08,080 Speaker 1: Mahomes and Herbert have played five games head to head 111 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:10,600 Speaker 1: in their early careers. Every game has been decided by 112 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:13,760 Speaker 1: a possession. But the Chargers are one and four in 113 00:06:13,800 --> 00:06:16,760 Speaker 1: those games. And hell, you said, you load up, the 114 00:06:16,880 --> 00:06:21,320 Speaker 1: entire division, loads up to beat the Chiefs, And here 115 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:24,680 Speaker 1: we are, you know, right now, right before Thanksgiving, eight 116 00:06:24,680 --> 00:06:28,720 Speaker 1: and two, and looks like they're gonna capture yet another 117 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:31,880 Speaker 1: AFC West title. And it just brings a new conversation 118 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:34,599 Speaker 1: to the Chargers. Now, now you're you're looking at that wildcard, 119 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:38,480 Speaker 1: and Eric mentioned it. Things didn't go well for the 120 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:42,359 Speaker 1: Chargers in that category yesterday. You currently sit ninth in 121 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:46,120 Speaker 1: the AFC. The Jets and the Patriots are six and four. 122 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:50,520 Speaker 1: Paid the Bengals rather without Jamar Chase still rolling, they 123 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:53,719 Speaker 1: didn't have Joe Mixon, so JP Rod had three touchdowns 124 00:06:53,760 --> 00:06:58,120 Speaker 1: in that game. So you go to Arizona, who is 125 00:06:58,160 --> 00:07:00,440 Speaker 1: playing on Monday night against the forty nine. It looks 126 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:03,320 Speaker 1: like Colt McCoy is gonna start that game. UM, we'll 127 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:07,280 Speaker 1: probably have more information as to what that quarterback situation 128 00:07:07,320 --> 00:07:11,760 Speaker 1: will look like next Sunday. Um, but now you're fighting 129 00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:14,640 Speaker 1: for a wild Cards spot. And it was good to 130 00:07:14,640 --> 00:07:18,160 Speaker 1: see Keenan back. You know, Mike goes out after that 131 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,000 Speaker 1: beautiful catch on the sideline in the first quarter. UM, 132 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:24,720 Speaker 1: so you saw. I think, guys, with the the offense 133 00:07:24,840 --> 00:07:28,720 Speaker 1: is capable of, um getting Mike back and getting Keenan 134 00:07:28,760 --> 00:07:30,679 Speaker 1: back in that first quarter. And then you know, Keenan 135 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:32,960 Speaker 1: had that fumble in the fourth quarter, but kind of 136 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:35,000 Speaker 1: made up for it with that with that forty eight 137 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:37,560 Speaker 1: yard catch at the end of the game, towards the 138 00:07:37,640 --> 00:07:40,720 Speaker 1: end of the game. UM. So that's kind of where 139 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:44,480 Speaker 1: we are, Hailey, Like, you see what the offense can be. 140 00:07:45,360 --> 00:07:51,560 Speaker 1: Yet the defense, Uh, they've really been not great in 141 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:55,120 Speaker 1: the second half of games, these these last two primetime games. 142 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:57,880 Speaker 1: And you know that that last drive was the perfect 143 00:07:57,920 --> 00:08:02,160 Speaker 1: illustration of that. Yeah, I mean it absolutely was. Because again, 144 00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:05,440 Speaker 1: I think Andy Reid said a minute forty six, it's 145 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:07,080 Speaker 1: like an eternity. He's like, we've gotten it done with 146 00:08:07,120 --> 00:08:10,480 Speaker 1: thirteen seconds before, which is crazy but true. I mean 147 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:14,440 Speaker 1: that's just like, again, how it freaking goes against that team. 148 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:18,200 Speaker 1: You do have to play essentially a perfect game. You 149 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:20,960 Speaker 1: have to contain And the craziest part of it, too, 150 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 1: is we go into this game right talking about, oh, 151 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:25,080 Speaker 1: the Chargers are getting Mike and Keenan back and the 152 00:08:25,160 --> 00:08:27,880 Speaker 1: Chiefs are down there, two up top two targets. But 153 00:08:28,160 --> 00:08:31,040 Speaker 1: I'd make the argument, no, it's always Travis Kelsey. It's 154 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:34,680 Speaker 1: always Ben Travis Kelsey, even when the Tyree conversation happened 155 00:08:35,040 --> 00:08:36,800 Speaker 1: in the off season, or what are the Chiefs going 156 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:39,439 Speaker 1: to be without Tyreek Hill? Well, number eighty seven is 157 00:08:39,480 --> 00:08:42,040 Speaker 1: still there. I mean, he had a game against the Raiders, 158 00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:44,920 Speaker 1: what was it, four touchdowns for twenty five yards total. 159 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:47,560 Speaker 1: The guy just they find a way. That he and 160 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:50,719 Speaker 1: Mahomes have this insane connection where they just find a way. 161 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:52,840 Speaker 1: Very much. It reminds me so much of when Rogers 162 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:55,800 Speaker 1: Aaron Rodgers had Davante Adams in Green Bay. Didn't matter 163 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:58,439 Speaker 1: you could cover the guy. He still finds a way. 164 00:08:58,679 --> 00:09:01,120 Speaker 1: And so I think when you look at it, the 165 00:09:01,160 --> 00:09:04,280 Speaker 1: story of this Chargers defense, though third and long really 166 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,680 Speaker 1: crushed this team last night, and I think it was 167 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:10,920 Speaker 1: hang on, let me pull it up right here. I 168 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:13,880 Speaker 1: think Kansas City converted four or five third downs with 169 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:16,480 Speaker 1: seven or more yards to gain. I mean that's really 170 00:09:16,520 --> 00:09:19,400 Speaker 1: tough because you're doing all you can to put them in, 171 00:09:20,480 --> 00:09:23,240 Speaker 1: you know, obvious passing situations, backing them up, doing what 172 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:26,040 Speaker 1: you can, but yet they still freak and get it done. 173 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:29,640 Speaker 1: And it's really really tough because what can you do, 174 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:32,840 Speaker 1: you know, at that point, and you just have to 175 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:36,439 Speaker 1: contain you have to contain him there. It's just hard. 176 00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 1: I mean, it's it's frustrating. We were all in the 177 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:43,800 Speaker 1: locker room last night. Frustration bled through from player to player, 178 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:48,160 Speaker 1: every guy that we talked to. The offense certainly, I 179 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:50,679 Speaker 1: mean it goes when touching on what you said, Chris, 180 00:09:50,679 --> 00:09:53,120 Speaker 1: in terms of having Keenan back, I mean, obviously he's 181 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:56,400 Speaker 1: a huge difference maker and it was great to see 182 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:58,680 Speaker 1: him out there, and he looked, you know, pretty good. 183 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:02,120 Speaker 1: I mean I actually thought coming into this game, you heard, oh, 184 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:04,640 Speaker 1: Mike's full goo, Keenan's on the pitch count, which I 185 00:10:04,679 --> 00:10:07,360 Speaker 1: think he still was. But Keenan certainly looked like the 186 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:10,280 Speaker 1: Keenan Allen we know and we've seen in recent years. 187 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 1: But it's just hard. I mean, again, third and long 188 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:18,240 Speaker 1: has killed this team defensively, and when it comes to 189 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:20,880 Speaker 1: just playing someone like Patrick Mahomes, the guy's a gamer 190 00:10:20,920 --> 00:10:22,360 Speaker 1: and he's always going to find a way. And I 191 00:10:22,360 --> 00:10:25,360 Speaker 1: think that's why as you look at the NFL picture 192 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:28,439 Speaker 1: right now, he's likely the MVP candidate at this point, 193 00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:30,600 Speaker 1: just because he is finding ways to get it done. 194 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:35,360 Speaker 1: And to be the best, you have to beat the best. 195 00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:38,240 Speaker 1: You just do, and you have to find ways. And 196 00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:40,400 Speaker 1: it's weird. It's weird. You know, we talked about this 197 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:43,040 Speaker 1: last week that this series is wrapped up. You know, 198 00:10:43,120 --> 00:10:45,800 Speaker 1: they're done with the Chiefs in week eleven, which is 199 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:48,439 Speaker 1: really really strange, is compared to how it's played out 200 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:51,000 Speaker 1: the last few years. But you have this kind of 201 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:53,320 Speaker 1: two game stretch which is winn a Bowl, but then 202 00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:55,680 Speaker 1: you have another two game stretch which is really tough 203 00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:59,280 Speaker 1: because you're playing AFC playoff caliber teams at that point. 204 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:01,320 Speaker 1: After that, I know we'll touch on all that, but 205 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:04,880 Speaker 1: it's hard. I mean defensively though, when you look at 206 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:08,600 Speaker 1: the team, Yeah, they're down Joey and they've had some 207 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:12,040 Speaker 1: attrition on the defensive line, but the secondary is largely healthy. 208 00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:15,320 Speaker 1: Your linebackers are largely healthy. Kenneth Murray obviously goes out, 209 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:17,480 Speaker 1: so you just have to you have to find a way, 210 00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:19,760 Speaker 1: and it just it was such a good game plan 211 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:22,199 Speaker 1: up until up until the very very end, which is 212 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 1: obviously when it matters most. Yeah, up until right and 213 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:29,200 Speaker 1: you know, what happens in the game dictates what we 214 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:32,000 Speaker 1: talk about here. We'd love to talk about Joshua Palmer 215 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:35,000 Speaker 1: going six for one oh eight in two touchdowns and 216 00:11:35,120 --> 00:11:39,880 Speaker 1: Keenan redeeming himself with that big catch and the Chargers 217 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:43,439 Speaker 1: winning the game, but really the third downs and there 218 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:46,800 Speaker 1: was a specific third down Haley that really crushed this team. 219 00:11:46,800 --> 00:11:51,280 Speaker 1: I believe it was that third and seventeen that eventually 220 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:54,600 Speaker 1: led to Travis Kelsey's second touchdown of the game. You know, 221 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:57,800 Speaker 1: third and seventeen, you gotta get this team off the field. 222 00:11:58,200 --> 00:12:01,440 Speaker 1: And you know you mentioned all the the whiteouts and 223 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:03,680 Speaker 1: all the weapons that were out, yet it didn't matter 224 00:12:03,760 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 1: with Travis Kelsey. Eric. How about Pacheco And this has 225 00:12:07,679 --> 00:12:10,240 Speaker 1: just been a problem for the Chargers all year long, 226 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:12,840 Speaker 1: stopping the run. I think there was a point at 227 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:14,600 Speaker 1: the beginning of the second half where they gave it 228 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:17,080 Speaker 1: to him like four or five straight times, ended with 229 00:12:17,120 --> 00:12:19,600 Speaker 1: fifteen carries one hundred and seven yards seven point one 230 00:12:19,679 --> 00:12:22,880 Speaker 1: to pop. As a team, Kansas City rushed the ball 231 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:25,600 Speaker 1: twenty seven times, one hundred and sixty three yards six 232 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:28,520 Speaker 1: yards a carry. And this is with Patrick Mahomes, right, 233 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:32,040 Speaker 1: So you take Mahomes's carries out of it, twenty three carries. 234 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:35,360 Speaker 1: That's a lot of carries for an explosive offense led 235 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:39,840 Speaker 1: by Patrick Mahomes because they were exploiting the Chargers weakness 236 00:12:39,920 --> 00:12:41,960 Speaker 1: and I know a lot of defensive linemen are out 237 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:45,880 Speaker 1: yet teams are going to key in on this until 238 00:12:45,920 --> 00:12:48,800 Speaker 1: the Chargers can prove that they can stop the run, 239 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:51,960 Speaker 1: no doubt, no doubt. And the way you ended it 240 00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:54,719 Speaker 1: there perfect because until the Chargers proved they can, then 241 00:12:55,240 --> 00:12:56,920 Speaker 1: teams are just going to run it. We thought that 242 00:12:57,000 --> 00:12:59,079 Speaker 1: in that drive last night, the chief and at eight 243 00:12:59,120 --> 00:13:02,280 Speaker 1: plays in a row, and it was it was kind 244 00:13:02,320 --> 00:13:04,200 Speaker 1: of a joke. You know. I was talking to people 245 00:13:04,240 --> 00:13:07,160 Speaker 1: around me on the press box last night. You know 246 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:09,080 Speaker 1: it's like, Hey, the Chiefs are running the ball almost 247 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:12,120 Speaker 1: that will here, But but will they run the ball 248 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:14,480 Speaker 1: because they have my Homes right, It's like the game 249 00:13:14,480 --> 00:13:17,000 Speaker 1: plan is so obvious for them because that they're down 250 00:13:17,559 --> 00:13:19,960 Speaker 1: a couple of wide receivers you know they have they 251 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:22,440 Speaker 1: have Kelsey, but they're down you know, most of their 252 00:13:22,480 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 1: top target and they're running the ball effectively. If they 253 00:13:25,160 --> 00:13:28,000 Speaker 1: can run the ball and keep doing what they're doing, 254 00:13:28,040 --> 00:13:31,760 Speaker 1: and it's gonna work. And the drive ended with a 255 00:13:31,760 --> 00:13:34,440 Speaker 1: field goal, right ironically enough, they got stopped on a 256 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:38,640 Speaker 1: third and one run. But the formula was right there 257 00:13:38,720 --> 00:13:42,120 Speaker 1: for the chief Just keep running it, you know, And 258 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:45,199 Speaker 1: I know the Chargers, you know, defensive line is banged up, 259 00:13:45,520 --> 00:13:48,560 Speaker 1: like like Chris said, but it's got to be like 260 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:53,440 Speaker 1: stopping the run is an eleven man job and we 261 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:58,080 Speaker 1: just haven't seen that consistently enough this year. And to me, 262 00:13:58,120 --> 00:14:01,240 Speaker 1: I could tell early in the game. I think Pacheco 263 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:03,680 Speaker 1: first carry win for like nineteen yards. I think like 264 00:14:03,720 --> 00:14:05,800 Speaker 1: he just got out there and went to the left 265 00:14:05,800 --> 00:14:07,680 Speaker 1: and just picked up twenty yards in a blink of 266 00:14:07,679 --> 00:14:11,680 Speaker 1: an eye, and it's like, Okay, this is gonna be tough. Yeah, 267 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:17,520 Speaker 1: the defense is frustrating for sure. I guess to keep 268 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:20,200 Speaker 1: using that word over and over, you know, because in 269 00:14:20,240 --> 00:14:23,560 Speaker 1: the off season they poured so many resources and you know, 270 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:28,280 Speaker 1: players and money and everything into this defense to make 271 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:30,080 Speaker 1: it be able to compete in a game like that, 272 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:32,880 Speaker 1: and Drew Trankwill he said it the best after the game, 273 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:35,000 Speaker 1: he said, if we want to be a great defense, 274 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:36,640 Speaker 1: we have to get off the field at the end 275 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:40,240 Speaker 1: of the game. And they didn't, you know, and I 276 00:14:40,240 --> 00:14:43,440 Speaker 1: think we've seen, you know, through ten games now the 277 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:46,960 Speaker 1: Chargers do not have a great defense, but they gotta 278 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,760 Speaker 1: have an okay defense. They gotta be somewhat competent, and 279 00:14:49,800 --> 00:14:53,720 Speaker 1: they're just moments every game that just it just doesn't happen. 280 00:14:54,040 --> 00:14:57,200 Speaker 1: Like I thought that third and seventeen probably the play 281 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:00,640 Speaker 1: of the game, even more so than the final five minutes. 282 00:15:00,920 --> 00:15:04,880 Speaker 1: Sure really was like Derwin sack Kelsey on first down 283 00:15:05,720 --> 00:15:09,280 Speaker 1: incomplete and then you just can't give it like you 284 00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 1: can't give it up, You just can't. Um. Yeah, I 285 00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:16,480 Speaker 1: thought that was a backbreaker and that when they when 286 00:15:16,480 --> 00:15:19,760 Speaker 1: the Chief converted that, I thought, Man, I don't know 287 00:15:19,760 --> 00:15:22,000 Speaker 1: what like the win percentage was, you know, they had 288 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 1: that graph right win percentage before and after the play. 289 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:27,600 Speaker 1: To me, that's like a twenty five percent swing. I 290 00:15:27,640 --> 00:15:29,360 Speaker 1: don't know what it was, but that is just an 291 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:33,920 Speaker 1: enormous play, an enormous breakdown that you just can't can't 292 00:15:33,920 --> 00:15:36,960 Speaker 1: have happened. Yeah, we tend to focus on what happens 293 00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 1: at the end of the game as being like the 294 00:15:38,600 --> 00:15:40,480 Speaker 1: plays of the game. But I really think that third 295 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:46,240 Speaker 1: and seventeen was a backbreaker for the Chargers. Um, let's 296 00:15:46,440 --> 00:15:49,880 Speaker 1: let's get into that last drive by the Chiefs. Six 297 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:54,360 Speaker 1: plays seventy five yards a minute in fifteen seconds. Um. 298 00:15:55,520 --> 00:15:58,240 Speaker 1: You know, I think this Chargers team is gonna have 299 00:15:58,280 --> 00:16:02,000 Speaker 1: to learn how to play sixty minutes and buckled down 300 00:16:02,200 --> 00:16:05,120 Speaker 1: when you have a lead against the Kansas City Chiefs 301 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:08,080 Speaker 1: and you're playing to really pivot your season in a 302 00:16:08,080 --> 00:16:11,600 Speaker 1: positive direction. At six and four, you got to get 303 00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:13,440 Speaker 1: a stop. You got to get a stop. I know 304 00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:15,920 Speaker 1: there was a holding call on Durwin and then you 305 00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 1: know Kelsey. Listen, Kelsey does what he does, man like 306 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:22,200 Speaker 1: Derwin did a really good job on him for the 307 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:28,280 Speaker 1: most part. But that play was clearly designed to get 308 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:32,120 Speaker 1: Dorwin away from Kelsey. And that's why Andy Reid is 309 00:16:32,600 --> 00:16:35,280 Speaker 1: perhaps one of the best play callers of all time. 310 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:38,800 Speaker 1: But I just look at that that final drive Hailey 311 00:16:39,200 --> 00:16:43,320 Speaker 1: six for seventy five a minute fifteen It's almost like 312 00:16:43,320 --> 00:16:46,240 Speaker 1: the Chiefs knew they've been in that position so many 313 00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:48,520 Speaker 1: times before they knew that they were going to convert, 314 00:16:48,560 --> 00:16:52,520 Speaker 1: that they had been in that exact same position last 315 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,600 Speaker 1: year on Thursday Night and overtime, where if you read 316 00:16:56,240 --> 00:17:00,800 Speaker 1: Peter King's interview with Travis Kelsey today, Kelsey said it 317 00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:03,840 Speaker 1: was the exact same play they ran to win and 318 00:17:04,280 --> 00:17:06,200 Speaker 1: beat the Chargers, So they ran the exact same play 319 00:17:06,280 --> 00:17:09,479 Speaker 1: essentially with a different guy in motion. I will credit 320 00:17:09,520 --> 00:17:12,920 Speaker 1: Travis Kelsey because I thought he was so gracious with 321 00:17:13,240 --> 00:17:16,680 Speaker 1: complimenting Durwin after the game and just those two man, 322 00:17:16,840 --> 00:17:19,040 Speaker 1: it is such a treat to see them in and 323 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:21,440 Speaker 1: he's like, he locks me down all game up until 324 00:17:21,520 --> 00:17:24,560 Speaker 1: the very very end where he was able. I think, 325 00:17:24,600 --> 00:17:26,679 Speaker 1: what did we learned that was the first time Kelsey 326 00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:29,320 Speaker 1: scored with Durwin and coverage on him and all the 327 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:31,239 Speaker 1: times that they've played together. I think that was what 328 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:35,119 Speaker 1: was said after the game. But the other thing with 329 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:38,440 Speaker 1: that final drive, this is the difference when you play 330 00:17:38,480 --> 00:17:42,200 Speaker 1: a team like Kansas City versus beating teams like Cleveland 331 00:17:42,840 --> 00:17:46,840 Speaker 1: or Houston or some of those other teams that the 332 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:48,919 Speaker 1: Chargers have beat the season one, it comes down to 333 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,200 Speaker 1: that Atlanta, when it comes down to that final drive. 334 00:17:52,280 --> 00:17:55,520 Speaker 1: This is the difference here, unfortunately, where you look at 335 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:59,639 Speaker 1: the level of competition that you're playing against, and the 336 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:03,560 Speaker 1: lightly better teams have the upper hand at the end 337 00:18:03,560 --> 00:18:05,480 Speaker 1: of the day, and they will find a way. And 338 00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:07,520 Speaker 1: it's not really to discredit any of the wins that 339 00:18:07,560 --> 00:18:09,520 Speaker 1: this team has. I mean, they are five and five 340 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:13,280 Speaker 1: and they've battled through a ton and a ton of attrition, 341 00:18:13,320 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 1: a ton of injuries to get to this point. But 342 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:17,639 Speaker 1: at the same time, when you look at the bigger 343 00:18:17,680 --> 00:18:20,080 Speaker 1: picture and you see the teams that the Chargers have 344 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:22,080 Speaker 1: beat this year and the ways that they've beat them, 345 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:23,679 Speaker 1: and how some of these games have come down to 346 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:26,040 Speaker 1: that final drive, this is the difference. It's just playing 347 00:18:26,440 --> 00:18:28,640 Speaker 1: up against a really, really good opponent. And like I said, 348 00:18:28,680 --> 00:18:30,320 Speaker 1: if you want to be the best, you have to 349 00:18:30,359 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 1: beat these teams. And they have a few coming up 350 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:35,160 Speaker 1: still on this schedule that are going to be tough, 351 00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:38,040 Speaker 1: that are must win games if you want to contend 352 00:18:38,080 --> 00:18:42,200 Speaker 1: in the AFC. Yeah, and we may as well get 353 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:44,840 Speaker 1: into them. I mean, I think we've we've covered this game, 354 00:18:44,880 --> 00:18:47,960 Speaker 1: and I know it's frustrating for Chargers fans to see 355 00:18:48,040 --> 00:18:51,480 Speaker 1: yet another loss, another close loss to this Kansas City 356 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:56,520 Speaker 1: Chiefs team. The formula to beat them is still TBD, right, 357 00:18:56,800 --> 00:19:00,720 Speaker 1: it really is, until the Chargers can prove that they 358 00:19:00,800 --> 00:19:04,080 Speaker 1: can they can beat this Patrick Mahomes led team and 359 00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 1: do it in a way where it's on their terms. Um, 360 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:11,680 Speaker 1: they're gonna have to wait another year unless they meet 361 00:19:11,920 --> 00:19:15,680 Speaker 1: in the playoffs, which is a very real possibility. Let's 362 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:17,959 Speaker 1: let's just get to the back half of the schedule, guys. Um, 363 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:20,880 Speaker 1: we'll dive into the Cardinals, but let me just kind 364 00:19:20,880 --> 00:19:23,720 Speaker 1: of read the rest of the slate. You're you're on 365 00:19:23,760 --> 00:19:27,159 Speaker 1: the road the next two weeks at Arizona, at Las Vegas, 366 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:31,520 Speaker 1: who got an overtime win led by DeVante Adams in Denver. 367 00:19:32,280 --> 00:19:35,320 Speaker 1: Then you come home for a pair of what looks 368 00:19:35,320 --> 00:19:38,160 Speaker 1: to be playoff teams for sure, the Dolphins and the Titans. 369 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:42,000 Speaker 1: You go on the road day after Christmas, Monday Night 370 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:46,400 Speaker 1: football against the Colts, who have obviously been re energized 371 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 1: a little bit playing decent football, and then home for 372 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:53,760 Speaker 1: the Rams who are struggling three and seven, and then 373 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:58,160 Speaker 1: Week eighteen in Denver, and who knows what that looks 374 00:19:58,200 --> 00:20:01,040 Speaker 1: like for the Denver Broncos sit at three and seven, 375 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:04,840 Speaker 1: so taking it one game at a time now Arizona. 376 00:20:05,520 --> 00:20:07,120 Speaker 1: I think a lot of people would argue that they've 377 00:20:07,160 --> 00:20:09,840 Speaker 1: been pretty disappointing this year after being a playoff team 378 00:20:09,920 --> 00:20:13,920 Speaker 1: last year. As we tape this, you know they're set 379 00:20:13,960 --> 00:20:19,000 Speaker 1: to play Monday night football in Mexico City. But this 380 00:20:19,080 --> 00:20:23,040 Speaker 1: is a game where the Charges absolutely have to win. 381 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:25,480 Speaker 1: I don't know if it's gonna be Kyler Murray or 382 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:31,080 Speaker 1: Colt McCoy, but Eric needless to say, you better beat 383 00:20:31,119 --> 00:20:33,080 Speaker 1: the Cardinals next next Sunday if you if you want 384 00:20:33,080 --> 00:20:36,560 Speaker 1: to shout out at the postseason much twin much twin game, 385 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:38,200 Speaker 1: And I was kind of waiting for you to see 386 00:20:38,200 --> 00:20:40,600 Speaker 1: if you're going to say it or not, but much 387 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:44,720 Speaker 1: twin game, you cannot drop to five and six. Just can't. 388 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:47,240 Speaker 1: Can't do it. Especially I think given the way the 389 00:20:47,320 --> 00:20:50,320 Speaker 1: last two games that have gone, where you fought hard 390 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:54,960 Speaker 1: and have been right there, you cannot have a letdown 391 00:20:55,400 --> 00:20:58,280 Speaker 1: Sunday in Arizona. And I will be very interested to 392 00:20:58,280 --> 00:21:00,920 Speaker 1: see how this team practices this week, how they respond, 393 00:21:01,520 --> 00:21:04,399 Speaker 1: because this is it like they're they're up against the 394 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:09,360 Speaker 1: wall right now. Um, you know they got to find 395 00:21:09,359 --> 00:21:12,920 Speaker 1: a way, dig deep and win on Sunday because if 396 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:17,959 Speaker 1: what happens yesterday in terms of playoff seating and outcomes, 397 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:21,600 Speaker 1: happens again next Sunday. Where the Chargers lose and the 398 00:21:21,640 --> 00:21:24,880 Speaker 1: teams that are around them win, it will make it very, 399 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:28,320 Speaker 1: very tough to to climb that hill and get back 400 00:21:28,720 --> 00:21:32,680 Speaker 1: back into the race. You know, and I know I 401 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:36,119 Speaker 1: said last week on this podcast that I think the 402 00:21:36,200 --> 00:21:40,040 Speaker 1: Chargers will make the playoffs. I still somehow believe in that. 403 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,280 Speaker 1: But but you have to win Sunday. You have to 404 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:45,160 Speaker 1: win against Vegas. You have to get to seven and 405 00:21:45,160 --> 00:21:48,359 Speaker 1: five and give yourself a chance going into that final, 406 00:21:48,560 --> 00:21:52,960 Speaker 1: that final five game stretch. Um, just find you've got 407 00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:54,240 Speaker 1: to find a way to get it done like that. 408 00:21:54,359 --> 00:21:57,359 Speaker 1: That's that's what the NFL is like. You know, you 409 00:21:57,400 --> 00:22:01,360 Speaker 1: can try hard and play hard and put a good effort, 410 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:03,840 Speaker 1: and that's fine. A lot of a lot of teams 411 00:22:03,880 --> 00:22:06,320 Speaker 1: do that. But if you don't win the game. We 412 00:22:06,359 --> 00:22:08,159 Speaker 1: all know, we've all been around this game long, and 413 00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:11,880 Speaker 1: I think if they result driven business as the light 414 00:22:11,960 --> 00:22:15,080 Speaker 1: goes out here in this room, Um, you have to win. 415 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,480 Speaker 1: You have to. You have to win the game. Turn 416 00:22:18,560 --> 00:22:22,080 Speaker 1: it back on there we go. You you have to 417 00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:24,320 Speaker 1: find a way to win the game. That. It's simple 418 00:22:24,359 --> 00:22:27,440 Speaker 1: as that, and I think players know that, coaches know that, um, 419 00:22:27,840 --> 00:22:31,520 Speaker 1: and we'll see how they respond on Sunday. Really, the 420 00:22:31,600 --> 00:22:34,600 Speaker 1: Chargers have found ways to to beat some of these 421 00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:37,359 Speaker 1: teams that are kind of in that category of the 422 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:40,800 Speaker 1: Cardinals right now, that are kind of middle of the pack, um, 423 00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:44,280 Speaker 1: lower tier teams in the NFL. The Cardinals are not 424 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:48,200 Speaker 1: good at home, they have not played well at home. UM. 425 00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:52,719 Speaker 1: So hey, it's an opportunity, and you know, as Keenan 426 00:22:52,760 --> 00:22:55,840 Speaker 1: gets more into the mix and hopefully they get good 427 00:22:55,880 --> 00:22:59,439 Speaker 1: news on Mike. I'm sure you know, we'll get more 428 00:22:59,480 --> 00:23:04,560 Speaker 1: information from Brandon Staley later today. But yeah, if that 429 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:07,159 Speaker 1: offense can start to get rolling a little bit and 430 00:23:07,200 --> 00:23:11,160 Speaker 1: that defense can get some key stops, maybe you kind 431 00:23:11,160 --> 00:23:15,119 Speaker 1: of start something here at six and five. Yeah, I 432 00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:17,960 Speaker 1: think so. I mean Joshua Palmer last night said it's 433 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:20,160 Speaker 1: kind of back to the drawing board at this point, 434 00:23:20,280 --> 00:23:21,679 Speaker 1: and I think that's kind of how you have to 435 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:24,960 Speaker 1: look at it. You need to sort of just flush 436 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,480 Speaker 1: these two losses and attempt to move on. This is 437 00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:30,119 Speaker 1: obviously it's it's really hard, but this is where you 438 00:23:30,160 --> 00:23:34,960 Speaker 1: need to really just compartmentalize and move forward. Because the 439 00:23:35,040 --> 00:23:37,560 Speaker 1: season's getting shorter. You know, for much of this season 440 00:23:37,600 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 1: we've talked about, oh, there's so much football left to 441 00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:41,880 Speaker 1: be played. Into a point there still is, but not 442 00:23:41,960 --> 00:23:45,320 Speaker 1: as much as you think. And there still are some quality, 443 00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:48,520 Speaker 1: quality teams that the charters will be playing. But yeah, 444 00:23:48,560 --> 00:23:50,520 Speaker 1: I mean, you know, look, if you can get to 445 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:52,640 Speaker 1: six and five, if you can get to seven and five, 446 00:23:52,680 --> 00:23:54,560 Speaker 1: if you beat the Raiders, like Eric said, you give 447 00:23:54,600 --> 00:23:58,480 Speaker 1: yourself a chance up against two AFC playoff contending teams 448 00:23:58,520 --> 00:24:02,440 Speaker 1: that are very, very friend and are winning in extremely 449 00:24:02,480 --> 00:24:04,679 Speaker 1: different ways, whether it's the Dolphins through the air or 450 00:24:04,720 --> 00:24:08,280 Speaker 1: the Titans on the ground. But you know, I think 451 00:24:08,320 --> 00:24:11,680 Speaker 1: absolutely these next two games are winnable. The Raiders game, though, 452 00:24:11,720 --> 00:24:14,160 Speaker 1: that could be a weird one, you know what I mean, 453 00:24:14,280 --> 00:24:16,800 Speaker 1: because the Raiders game will not be an easy one. 454 00:24:16,840 --> 00:24:19,439 Speaker 1: It will not be an easy one. Yeah. Yeah, you 455 00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:23,200 Speaker 1: guys saw what happened yesterday. The Raiders are hearing how 456 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:25,919 Speaker 1: bad they are in the press and how you know, 457 00:24:26,040 --> 00:24:29,520 Speaker 1: McDaniels is struggling in his first year there. Theysed Tod 458 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:32,080 Speaker 1: Davante Adams, and Davanta Adams showed a lot of people 459 00:24:32,480 --> 00:24:35,639 Speaker 1: who he is yesterday he is leading or next to 460 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:38,119 Speaker 1: Travis Kelsey is the second most touchdowns in the NFL 461 00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:40,400 Speaker 1: right now. And when I saw that, I was shocked, 462 00:24:40,520 --> 00:24:42,720 Speaker 1: because I you just think that they've sort of been 463 00:24:42,760 --> 00:24:45,560 Speaker 1: faltering and sort of pitter pattering through the season so far, 464 00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:48,480 Speaker 1: and I really had no idea that he's he and 465 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:50,680 Speaker 1: Carves sort of come alive these last couple of weeks, 466 00:24:50,720 --> 00:24:53,679 Speaker 1: even if the wins haven't necessarily been there, although they 467 00:24:53,680 --> 00:24:56,920 Speaker 1: were yesterday. But um, but again it's it's a divisional game. 468 00:24:56,920 --> 00:25:01,879 Speaker 1: It's weird. Sure, stuff it happened, and things could get strange, 469 00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:04,239 Speaker 1: but you really really need again to just move on, 470 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:07,240 Speaker 1: take care of business over these next two weeks, hopefully 471 00:25:07,240 --> 00:25:10,200 Speaker 1: get back to where you were two games above five hundred, 472 00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:13,160 Speaker 1: and then give yourself a chance against two AFC teams, 473 00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:14,880 Speaker 1: which I think again are is going to be a huge, 474 00:25:14,920 --> 00:25:18,199 Speaker 1: huge test, much like this two game stretch was that 475 00:25:18,359 --> 00:25:23,240 Speaker 1: a Dolphins Titans stretch is going to be equally is challenging. Guys, 476 00:25:23,280 --> 00:25:26,800 Speaker 1: almost look at its stages, right Eric, So yeah, you 477 00:25:26,800 --> 00:25:28,480 Speaker 1: have to get these next two to get the seven 478 00:25:28,480 --> 00:25:32,920 Speaker 1: and five. Even at that point this team hasn't beaten 479 00:25:32,960 --> 00:25:35,399 Speaker 1: a playoff team yet on the right. I mean, I 480 00:25:35,440 --> 00:25:38,639 Speaker 1: guess maybe the Falcons could technically win the South based 481 00:25:38,680 --> 00:25:42,800 Speaker 1: on the records in that division. But the first stage, 482 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:46,000 Speaker 1: you win this next block, then you have the Dolphins 483 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:49,199 Speaker 1: in the Titans, who are probably both going to the 484 00:25:49,240 --> 00:25:53,080 Speaker 1: postseason in your place, and that's when you have to 485 00:25:53,119 --> 00:25:56,760 Speaker 1: show the next stage that you are a playoff team 486 00:25:57,119 --> 00:25:59,239 Speaker 1: by at least taking care of business against one of 487 00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:03,440 Speaker 1: those teams. As we get to the rest of December. Yeah, yeah, 488 00:26:03,440 --> 00:26:05,240 Speaker 1: I look at it with seven games left, I look 489 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:09,399 Speaker 1: at as a two two three block. It's kind of 490 00:26:09,400 --> 00:26:11,879 Speaker 1: how I've framed it in my mind. The two games 491 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,800 Speaker 1: coming up on the road Sunday is a must win 492 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:16,960 Speaker 1: depending on you know. So you get to six and five, 493 00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:19,280 Speaker 1: you find some way to beat the Raiders, even though 494 00:26:19,680 --> 00:26:22,440 Speaker 1: we can agree it's gonna be wacky. You're seven and five, 495 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:25,400 Speaker 1: like Chris said, you find a way to split one 496 00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:28,640 Speaker 1: of those two home games. I think you almost want 497 00:26:28,640 --> 00:26:30,600 Speaker 1: to beat the Dolphins. This is just how I've thought 498 00:26:30,600 --> 00:26:32,440 Speaker 1: about it. You almost want to beat the Dolphins more 499 00:26:32,480 --> 00:26:35,639 Speaker 1: than the Titans because the Titans are more likely to 500 00:26:35,640 --> 00:26:40,640 Speaker 1: win their division. Yeah, and the AFC East. It's just incredible. 501 00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:45,119 Speaker 1: I mean, like all those teams are are fighting for 502 00:26:45,160 --> 00:26:48,160 Speaker 1: a playoff spot. Yeah, so the Dolphins will most likely 503 00:26:48,240 --> 00:26:52,680 Speaker 1: be in that wild card mix based on how things 504 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:55,480 Speaker 1: could shake out. So then you're seven and five, you 505 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:58,800 Speaker 1: split the two at home, you're eight and six, and 506 00:26:58,840 --> 00:27:00,800 Speaker 1: then you gotta go. Then you gotta go in these 507 00:27:00,800 --> 00:27:03,359 Speaker 1: final three games. You might have to win all three 508 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:05,680 Speaker 1: if you want to make it in which is possible, 509 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:08,280 Speaker 1: you know, given who the opponent are. You know, they're 510 00:27:08,320 --> 00:27:12,280 Speaker 1: all under five hundred right now. I think at a 511 00:27:12,280 --> 00:27:14,320 Speaker 1: minimum you have to go five and two in the 512 00:27:14,359 --> 00:27:18,800 Speaker 1: final seven game to have a chant at the playoffs. Yeah, 513 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:21,880 Speaker 1: well said, I mean, I'm looking next week the Dolphins 514 00:27:21,920 --> 00:27:24,800 Speaker 1: have the Texans before they go to the forty nine 515 00:27:24,880 --> 00:27:28,080 Speaker 1: Ers and then they play the Chargers. So that AFC 516 00:27:28,240 --> 00:27:30,720 Speaker 1: East is interesting because it looks like all four teams 517 00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:33,920 Speaker 1: could make the playoffs. But you also have to take 518 00:27:33,960 --> 00:27:36,680 Speaker 1: into consideration they're gonna beat each other up this last 519 00:27:36,720 --> 00:27:40,720 Speaker 1: month too, So what happens there? What happens with the Bengals? 520 00:27:40,760 --> 00:27:43,000 Speaker 1: Can they keep it rolling? Those are the teams I 521 00:27:43,040 --> 00:27:46,960 Speaker 1: think the Jets, the Patriots, and the Bengals are the 522 00:27:47,040 --> 00:27:50,320 Speaker 1: three teams that you're gonna have eyes on the Chargers 523 00:27:50,359 --> 00:27:53,120 Speaker 1: don't play any of those guys to close the year. 524 00:27:53,240 --> 00:27:56,640 Speaker 1: So those games I think are equally as important as 525 00:27:56,960 --> 00:28:00,280 Speaker 1: Chargers wins. As you have to do some score board 526 00:28:00,280 --> 00:28:05,840 Speaker 1: watching at Thanksgiving at this point, Um, guys, anything else 527 00:28:06,359 --> 00:28:10,280 Speaker 1: as as we close this uh this Sunday Night Football 528 00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:15,400 Speaker 1: back to back edition of The Final Drive, Haley, Um, 529 00:28:15,400 --> 00:28:17,720 Speaker 1: I'll give I'll give a shout out to Joshua Palmer 530 00:28:17,800 --> 00:28:20,520 Speaker 1: Roll and here on a positive note, I think I 531 00:28:20,560 --> 00:28:23,600 Speaker 1: think when we look at this Chargers receiving corps and 532 00:28:23,640 --> 00:28:27,479 Speaker 1: we've seen the attrition that that it's faced. Um, we 533 00:28:27,520 --> 00:28:30,280 Speaker 1: saw him have that breakout game a couple weeks ago, 534 00:28:30,359 --> 00:28:33,240 Speaker 1: and I think what were his stats? His receiving stats 535 00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:39,160 Speaker 1: virtually identical to that except for the touchdowns. Yeah, yeah, Um, 536 00:28:39,800 --> 00:28:42,120 Speaker 1: I think I think he's kind of coming into his 537 00:28:42,160 --> 00:28:45,120 Speaker 1: own and you're seeing that, and you're seeing also that 538 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:48,200 Speaker 1: trust with Justin Herbert that it almost has felt like 539 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:50,920 Speaker 1: it's kind of up dipped, in, ebbed and flowed throughout 540 00:28:50,920 --> 00:28:52,960 Speaker 1: the year at this point, but he came up clutch 541 00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:55,560 Speaker 1: much like he did in that Week eighteen game against 542 00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:57,760 Speaker 1: the Raiders as well, and so you're seeing him just 543 00:28:57,800 --> 00:28:59,640 Speaker 1: build on that and I think there was obviously so 544 00:28:59,720 --> 00:29:03,320 Speaker 1: much discussion this past offseason about, you know, oh, should 545 00:29:03,320 --> 00:29:05,200 Speaker 1: the Chargers take a receiver in the draft, And I 546 00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:07,760 Speaker 1: do remember Tom Telesco saying, we were quite happy with 547 00:29:07,800 --> 00:29:11,600 Speaker 1: our receiver room. Now in hindsight, who knew they were 548 00:29:11,640 --> 00:29:14,120 Speaker 1: going to face so much attrition with Mike and Keenan. 549 00:29:14,840 --> 00:29:17,920 Speaker 1: We'll say that, but but I think Joshua Palmer is 550 00:29:18,360 --> 00:29:20,880 Speaker 1: a stud on the rise and I always like to 551 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:23,360 Speaker 1: root for I don't know if you want to call 552 00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:25,000 Speaker 1: him the good guys, but he's such an easy guy 553 00:29:25,040 --> 00:29:27,520 Speaker 1: to root for because he's just all business and he's 554 00:29:27,560 --> 00:29:29,600 Speaker 1: just he just carries himself. And I said this a 555 00:29:29,600 --> 00:29:32,400 Speaker 1: couple weeks ago, in a manner that's so mature and 556 00:29:32,480 --> 00:29:35,160 Speaker 1: wise beyond his years. And so to see him make 557 00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:38,320 Speaker 1: an impact I think was really really awesome. Again up 558 00:29:38,320 --> 00:29:41,520 Speaker 1: against a team that is good, you know, the Chiefs 559 00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:43,320 Speaker 1: are really good, and he was able to get his 560 00:29:43,400 --> 00:29:45,280 Speaker 1: yards and his touchdowns and all of that. So I 561 00:29:45,280 --> 00:29:49,080 Speaker 1: think that's a positive sign moving forward. There would go 562 00:29:49,120 --> 00:29:51,719 Speaker 1: well end on some positivity on my end. I like it. 563 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:54,920 Speaker 1: I love it actually, because you know, success breeds confidence, 564 00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:57,520 Speaker 1: and I think the last two weeks with Mike and 565 00:29:57,640 --> 00:29:59,840 Speaker 1: Keenan out of the lineup, Josh was putting a big 566 00:30:00,040 --> 00:30:04,400 Speaker 1: bot he delivered in Atlanta, and then heck when when 567 00:30:04,520 --> 00:30:08,000 Speaker 1: Mike and or Keenan is on the field with him. Um, 568 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:10,440 Speaker 1: I think he's just he's a good player. That's that's 569 00:30:10,480 --> 00:30:14,800 Speaker 1: only ascending in this league. So well, said Eric. Final thoughts. 570 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:17,440 Speaker 1: But yeah, if we're gonna end on a positive note, 571 00:30:17,480 --> 00:30:22,560 Speaker 1: it all throws them. Love to Stone Smart. Yeah, yea though, 572 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:24,880 Speaker 1: Like I mean, I didn't even know he was gonna 573 00:30:24,880 --> 00:30:28,000 Speaker 1: be like active, Like really, I mean, he just kind 574 00:30:28,040 --> 00:30:29,640 Speaker 1: of came out of nowhere and was suddenly like in 575 00:30:29,720 --> 00:30:32,840 Speaker 1: the lineup one had his first NFL catch, got a 576 00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:35,320 Speaker 1: first down six yard, Like good for him. You know, 577 00:30:35,720 --> 00:30:37,480 Speaker 1: I'm sure we've all seen him working off to the 578 00:30:37,520 --> 00:30:41,320 Speaker 1: side and practice and stuff, and you know it didn't 579 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:43,040 Speaker 1: make that big of a difference in the game. But 580 00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:45,520 Speaker 1: you know, I'm sure a nine moment for him. Um. 581 00:30:45,800 --> 00:30:49,000 Speaker 1: I'll also shout out Morgan Fox because that guy had 582 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:51,840 Speaker 1: to play a lot the last couple of weeks. Um, 583 00:30:52,520 --> 00:30:55,480 Speaker 1: you know, he's really doing all he can to help 584 00:30:55,520 --> 00:30:58,400 Speaker 1: the defensive line. And um, just a stand up guy, 585 00:30:58,680 --> 00:31:01,520 Speaker 1: you know, talking to us after the game. Um, you know, 586 00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:04,000 Speaker 1: you could tell how much you want to win and 587 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:08,280 Speaker 1: he's trying to give it all he's got. Yeah, well said, 588 00:31:08,520 --> 00:31:11,240 Speaker 1: you know what, let's give a shout out to camera Dicker, 589 00:31:11,720 --> 00:31:14,640 Speaker 1: who's just really filled in for I'm telling you, like, 590 00:31:14,680 --> 00:31:17,960 Speaker 1: the kid has got ice as his veins. He goes 591 00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:20,560 Speaker 1: out there so confident a forty six yard or a 592 00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:25,360 Speaker 1: twenty one yarder, good on his pats. For as many 593 00:31:25,400 --> 00:31:27,360 Speaker 1: problems as the charges have had in the kicking game 594 00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:30,600 Speaker 1: over the last several years. Right, it's like, you know, Berta, 595 00:31:30,680 --> 00:31:33,719 Speaker 1: let's stepped up in Cleveland, Hopkins had the game winner 596 00:31:34,040 --> 00:31:38,200 Speaker 1: against the Broncos, and camera Dicker man like, shout out 597 00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:42,400 Speaker 1: to that guy because he's come in here a whirlwind 598 00:31:42,440 --> 00:31:44,240 Speaker 1: that first week and then he's like just kind of 599 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:46,920 Speaker 1: made himself at home, like no big deal making his kicks. 600 00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:51,960 Speaker 1: Chris really quick. Remember in training camp, you, Matt money 601 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:54,000 Speaker 1: Smith and I were standing around and we were talking 602 00:31:54,040 --> 00:31:56,360 Speaker 1: about all the kickers that have been on this roster 603 00:31:56,520 --> 00:31:59,160 Speaker 1: over the past couple of years, and like we had 604 00:31:59,320 --> 00:32:01,960 Speaker 1: forgotten about guys and we're naming random guys and then 605 00:32:01,960 --> 00:32:04,400 Speaker 1: we talk about something else, and then five minutes later, 606 00:32:04,400 --> 00:32:06,680 Speaker 1: one of us bring up oh, Chase McLoughlin, and it's like, oh, yeah, 607 00:32:06,680 --> 00:32:08,920 Speaker 1: that's right. He had kicked for this team too, and 608 00:32:08,920 --> 00:32:11,440 Speaker 1: and and that's when you know, Chargers fans, it's not 609 00:32:11,520 --> 00:32:14,520 Speaker 1: all bad because they've found a way in an area 610 00:32:14,640 --> 00:32:17,800 Speaker 1: that has not been kind to them over the past 611 00:32:17,840 --> 00:32:20,760 Speaker 1: couple of years. And so who knows if Dustin Hopkins 612 00:32:20,760 --> 00:32:22,560 Speaker 1: will be back, But I think, um, I think you 613 00:32:22,600 --> 00:32:25,280 Speaker 1: have a lot of faith in Cameron Dicker and what 614 00:32:25,320 --> 00:32:29,120 Speaker 1: he's been able to do, and Bertolette for the limited 615 00:32:29,320 --> 00:32:31,920 Speaker 1: playing time that he had as well. I mean that's 616 00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:34,440 Speaker 1: been kind of an amazing like positive to this whole 617 00:32:34,440 --> 00:32:37,400 Speaker 1: season that they've been. They've been able to overcome attrition 618 00:32:37,440 --> 00:32:40,600 Speaker 1: to a position that has literally doomed them in years past, 619 00:32:40,800 --> 00:32:43,920 Speaker 1: and they've been what this team that's had a bajillion 620 00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:46,760 Speaker 1: kickers on their roster over the last like five six seasons. 621 00:32:46,840 --> 00:32:49,400 Speaker 1: But um, but that they have found a way this year, 622 00:32:49,440 --> 00:32:52,000 Speaker 1: and that is I'm with you. That's a good one. Yeah, 623 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:54,880 Speaker 1: how about that. You know, Berto Lett. They don't win 624 00:32:54,960 --> 00:32:57,800 Speaker 1: that game in Cleveland without Berto Lett. Yeah, they don't win. 625 00:32:57,880 --> 00:33:00,520 Speaker 1: They don't win the game against the Broncos without Hopkins. 626 00:33:00,960 --> 00:33:04,320 Speaker 1: And they certainly don't win the game in Atlanta without Dicker, 627 00:33:04,480 --> 00:33:07,840 Speaker 1: so Chargers five and five, still a lot of season 628 00:33:08,200 --> 00:33:12,760 Speaker 1: to go, still really alive in the AFC playoff picture. 629 00:33:13,040 --> 00:33:15,080 Speaker 1: We'll see how it all plays out, starting in the 630 00:33:15,160 --> 00:33:19,920 Speaker 1: desert next Sunday in Arizona for Haley Olwood and Eric Smith. 631 00:33:20,320 --> 00:33:22,560 Speaker 1: I'm Chris Harry. This has been the final drive.